Leinster issue injured trio update, including 'hobbling' Furlong
Leinster were left nursing some wounds in the aftermath of defeating Toulouse in the Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals, but coach Leo Cullen didn’t sound that concerned on Saturday evening when providing an update on the status of a casualty list featuring three of his forwards - including Tadhg Furlong.
The tighthead lasted just 17 minutes of the game in Dublin, with Ronan Kelleher later withdrawn in the second half. James Lowe was also said to have picked up a knock. With the final just a fortnight away in Marseille on May 28, the health of the trio was an obvious go-to topic in the aftermath of the 40-17 victory over the 2021 champions.
“Tadhg seems to be okay there now,” reported Leinster boss Cullen when asked for an update on Furlong and the two others who left the Aviva Stadium scene early. “You could see him hobbling, so he has done something to his ankle. It didn’t seem to be too bad but the extent we will get figured out in the next couple of days.
“Ronan went off so he will just go through the graduated return to play. James took a bang at the end on his shin but it doesn’t seem to be too serious from the first reports in there, but we will get it all checked.”
Next up on the Cullen agenda is a Sunday afternoon on the couch to learn whether it is Racing or La Rochelle who will play Leinster in the final. “We will watch with great interest how Racing go against La Rochelle. I was listening to Mike Prendergast yesterday [Friday] and just the desire of Racing to win a European star from their owners all the way through the club, it’s a big goal of theirs.
“If they were to progress we know then as we came across them before in a final in Bilbao (in 2018) and La Rochelle, we experienced them first hand, we lost that semi-final last year when we didn’t deliver our best performance on the day.
“At this stage of the tournament you need to be delivering close to your best against the best teams in Europe, but it’s a hugely exciting challenge away against a French team down in Marseille which is a different environment and we have experienced that before.
“We were down there in a semi-final (against Toulon in 2015). We don’t have many players that are still around from that day. Johnny (Sexton) wasn’t even there, he was away at the time (at Racing) but there are parts of that game, that weekend that still lives strong in my memory for lots of the wrong reasons - but it is just a hugely exciting challenge. It has been a season of many twists and turns to get to this point.”
Reflecting on the semi-final win over Toulouse, Cullen added: "Credit to the lads, there was lots of good stuff in the game. It was amazing to run out in front of that crowd (of 42,076) as well. It was a short week so a huge effort to get that crowd in those numbers. That created a lot of energy for the team and they fed off that. Lots of good stuff against a very good team in Toulouse.
"The lads threw the kitchen since at it but Toulouse hung in and hung in and they are always a constant threat. You could see that in the first half where we were attacking in their 22 and lost possession and they are gone the length of the field. That constant threat was there the whole time but for our guys, I thought it was a good performance overall. There is still room for growth as always but to deliver a big performance in the semi-final is pleasing."
Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
Go to comments